Locksmith

Locksmiths are trained craftsmen who are skilled in opening and installing padlocks, door locks, deadbolts, safes, car locks and even electronic locks. Some locksmiths also design locks and safes. Locksmiths may consult with businesses and individuals to determine the locks or security system that best suits their needs.

Day in the Life of a Locksmith

A locksmith may work for a security company or establish their own business as an independent contractor. Some locksmiths find full-time positions on a building maintenance crew, working for a hotel, casino or storage facility. Depending on the nature of a locksmith's position or specialty, a typical day might involve any of the following tasks:

Installing new locks

Making copies of locks

Creating master keys for a lock (or locks) and maintaining records for the building owner

Cutting new or duplicate keys, using impressions, key-cutting machines or code-key machines

Unlocking cars and other vehicles

Opening locks and safes

Repairing or replacing worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts

Installing and repairing electronic lock systems

Assembling electrical components, subsystems or systems

Important Characteristics for Locksmiths

Successful locksmiths possess characteristics and skills such as good manual dexterity, good hand-eye coordination and mechanical ability. They must also be able to focus and pay close attention to detail. A customer-service mindset and excellent communication skills are also valuable.

Education Requirements

The path to becoming a locksmith may involve more than locksmith classes but generally is as follows:

Earn a high school diploma or GED. Basic education provides a foundation for success in the workforce and the necessary qualification for many locksmith training courses and entry-level employment.

Complete a locksmith training program. You can find locksmith training courses at vocational and trade schools, community colleges and through the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA). Coursework may be completed in as little as a few weeks and can be available online or on night and weekend schedules. People in military service can have access to military locksmith training programs.

Work as an apprentice to a professional locksmith. Hands-on experience can help you apply your locksmith training and gain a foothold in the job market.

Pass a certification exam. Many states require certification to work as a locksmith. Whether or not your region requires it, certification is an important step toward establishing your credibility and expertise as a professional locksmith. The ALOA and the Safe and Vault Technicians Association (SAVTA) offer various grades of certification for locksmiths. The basic exam qualifies you as a Registered Locksmith (RL).

Obtain a locksmith license. Requirements vary by state, and even by jurisdiction within a state. In some states, individuals need to complete an apprenticeship to be eligible to obtain their own license or pass an exam. The ALOA website provides information on state licensing laws and regulations.

Earn a specialized certification. After working in the trade for a while, locksmiths can boost their career by earning specialized certifications beyond what is taught in locksmith classes. Designations available through the ALOA in conjunction with the SAVTA include:

Onet Data

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Metro Areas Sorted by Total Employment for Locksmith

Listed below are the 10 largest metro areas based on the total number of people employed in Locksmith jobs , as of 2017

Metro Area

Total Employment

Annual Mean Salary

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington

1,010

$44,500

Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach

880

$35,710

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim

610

$57,710

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land

400

$41,580

Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford

350

$36,320

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara

350

$56,660

Baltimore-Columbia-Towson

280

$47,020

San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward

240

$52,910

San Diego-Carlsbad

230

$46,010

Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario

230

$53,450

Compare Total Employment & Salaries for Locksmiths

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Total employment and salary for professions similar to locksmiths

Most Popular Industries for Locksmith

These industries represent at least 1% of the total number of people employed in this occupation.

Industry

Total Employment

Percent

Annual Median Salary

Office Services And Staffing

14,300

78%

$32,130

Education

1,460

8%

$42,930

Government

900

4%

$47,000

Hospital

380

2%

$46,510

Durable Goods Wholesale

370

2%

$35,470

Selected Schools for Locksmith

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Schools by State

We have some additional detailed pages at the state level for Locksmith.

Numbers in parentheses are counts of relevant campus-based schools in the state; online schools may also be available.